Call for applications - Minmahaw School Academic Coordinator
Position: Academic Coordinator
Start Date: May 1st 2024
Location: Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
School: Minmahaw School
Hours: Full-Time
Contract length: One year with the option of renewal (with 2 months probation)
Salary: A stipend of 16,500 THB/month (subject to increase based on job tenure)
About us:
The Education for Friendship Foundation (EFF) was registered with the Thai government in 2013 as a charitable non-profit organization to support education for the children of Burmese (Myanmar) migrant and refugee workers in Thailand. Minmahaw Education Programs (Minmahaw School and Minmahaw Higher Education Program) and the BHSOH K-12 boarding school are all projects of EFF.
Minmahaw School, established in 2009, is a one-year English immersion program boarding school for underprivileged youth from Myanmar, of diverse ethnicity, aged 17 to 23 years. The school was originally created to assist disadvantaged Myanmar youth... who aspire to academic and career success and support their own communities.
The school is based in Mae Sot, Thailand, on the Thai-Myanmar border. Students at Minmahaw School come from refugee camps, small village schools and/or one of the many migrant schools within the Myanmar-Thai border region. Through a one-year program of classes and team projects at Minmahaw School, they learn English, maths, science, social studies, computer studies, environmental studies and selected additional vocational subjects, all delivered in the English language. Upon graduation, students are prepared to pursue further study in higher education institutions or pursue career pathways. Teaching is conducted according to international standards – that is, contemporary, experiential education – with the main aim of improving students’ English fluency, and developing their creative and critical thinking skills, and confidence. Minmahaw teaches students how to learn.
The intensive English immersion programs that Minmahaw School offers are:
● Applied English Summer School Program, a 3-week English immersive program from the beginning until the end of May each year, serves as preparation and introduction to the teaching-learning approach at Minmahaw to students as well as the final stage for the students’ recruitment.
● Post-Secondary /Post-Ten Academic Program, commencing at the beginning of June each year, and concluding in mid-March of the following year. A 10-month preparation to continue their further studies and career pathways.
• Job description/position:
• The Academic Coordinator will be responsible for leading and managing the delivery of best-practice educational programs, within an established but ’organic’ curriculum, to all students at the school during the academic year 2024-25. Responsibilities include:
● Researching, planning, creating, and implementing a suitable curriculum to achieve Minmahaw’s educational goals.
● Developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation strategies to uphold educational standards, track progress, and identify areas for improvement.
● Supporting teachers by providing resources (to include textbooks, exams, and weekly teaching plans), as well as mentoring and facilitating professional development (when appropriate and necessary).
● Leading teacher recruitment efforts, ensuring the selection of qualified educators aligned with
• the school's vision and mission. Through strategic planning and collaboration, the Academic Coordinator plays a pivotal role in fostering an enriching academic environment conducive to student growth and success.
Key responsibilities:
Education for Friendship members:
● Work closely with EFF Director and EFF members regarding Minmahaw school needs and functioning.
● Assist EFF members and partners in curriculum development to align with the international education system standards.
● Support EFF Director and Project Coordinator in hosting visits and giving presentations.
Academic coordination:
● Oversee and coordinate the delivery of best-practice, international education programs at Minmahaw School.
● Organize regular meetings to provide guidance and support to teachers in delivering high-quality instruction that meets the needs of diverse learners.
● Lead M&E strategies for the effectiveness of instructional methods and make necessary adjustments to ensure student progress.
● Analyze student performance data collected to identify areas for improvement and develop intervention strategies as needed.
● Provide effective leadership in the implementation and further development of all programs: academic, extracurricular, and community life at Minmahaw School.
● Work together with both Academic Coordinator Assistant and Project Coordinator to organize volunteer orientation, volunteer induction, classroom observation, support teacher performance, and teacher exit process.
● Support Project Coordinator with M&E strategies for staff’s work environment quality, logistics and responsibilities.
● Coordinate and oversee teaching interns from partner organizations as school host-tutor.
● Manage and ensure smooth handover processes.
HR, Administration, and fundraising:
• ● Participate in recruiting and interviewing new volunteers-teachers and staff.
• ● Work with key stakeholders and partnerships to support development and implementation of school policy, procedures and strategic plans, to achieve desired
• educational and social outcomes for all students.
• ● Lead together with Project Coordinator students’ recruitment processes.
• ● Assist Project Coordinator in writing quarterly and annual reports.
• ● Support Project Coordinator in local and international fundraising efforts.
• ● Assist EFF members in student’s tracking processes.
• ● Support the management team, providing advice on the School’s administration and
• operational systems.
Teaching and training:
• ● Teaching (one subject)
• ● Provide teacher training support.
Students’ opportunities and counsel:
• ● Work closely with Project Coordinator in the Student Mentoring Program.
• ● Assist Project Coordinator in scholarship research and recommendations for current
• students and graduates.
• ● Provide support and counsel to current students together with the Project Coordinator
• on academic and professional opportunities.
• ● Work with the school community to ensure students’ wellbeing, promoting a positive
• and supportive learning environment.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential:
• ● A Bachelor’s degree or higher in education, social education, school administration or related field and/or work experience in the field of education.
• ● 2+ years of work experience in the educational sector, NGOs, or within social work.
• ● Demonstrated successful teaching experience, and a sound working knowledge of, and
• development of, whole school curriculum and assessment procedures.
• ● Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and train a team of volunteer-teachers who may not have
• teacher training or classroom experience.
• ● Sound administrative and organizational skills in a school environment and knowledge of worldwide ‘best practices’ within a school context.
• ● Proven ability to work within a cross-cultural school environment, interact effectively with people of different cultures, and successfully develop partnerships and relationships.
• ● Understanding of the unique political situation that our students must deal with, their vulnerabilities, and the strengths they must develop to maintain their cultural and social identities.
• ● Experience in efficient and timely decision-making, with adaptability and effective communicative skills.
• ● Fluent English language skills, written and spoken.
• ● Basic Computer skills including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Communication apps.
Desirable:
• ● Have held a leadership role in school or educational administration and/or a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• ● TESOL (Teaching English as a Second or Other Language) qualification, and/or substantial experience in teaching ESL.
• ● Teaching experience at multiple levels of primary (elementary), middle years and senior secondary grades of school education.
• ● Experienced with monitoring and evaluation of projects.
• ● Sound knowledge of project management.
Attitude:
• ● Team player
• ● Self-reflective
• ● Open-minded
• ● Problem-solving oriented
• ● Interest in mental well-being
• ● Willingness to learn
• ● Cultural, ethnicity, race, religion, gender and age perspective awareness
What we offer:
• ● Legal support with Thai visa process
• ● International training opportunities
• ● A good team atmosphere and mutual support
• ● One bicycle and lunch provided every weekday
HOW TO APPLY
• Application process: If this sounds like you, please send your application consisting of a cover letter and CV or resume in one PDF file to: [email protected]
• Email Subject: “Applying for Academic Coordinator”
• Interviews will be held in person or online during the month of March in Mae Sot.
• *Be prepared to submit references if requested
Mae Sot Mae Sot District Tak